FuturistU > Retail > How to be Retail Resilient > Module 4 / 4

Retail Resilient: Many-to-Many

Instructor: Ady Floyd
Brand Engagement
Download the Brand Engagement Trend Report
The retail industry has never seen such a large divide between consumers wanting to shop local and wanting to shop conveniently aka looking at the “Amazon Effect”. This module is designed to help retailers strike a balance between global and local demand. Partnerships have always been a key tool to battle big brand skepticism, and so this module shows retailers how to look for new opportunities all around them, while meeting the needs of shoppers in their own backyards, and beyond.
Related Trend Report: Brand Engagement
Workshop Question:
Consider a partnership with a local business within, or adjacent to, your won industry. What does that look like?
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Featured Insights

Local Gift-Box
Brands are curating gift boxes with artisanal goods from independent businesses
Trend - Brands are launching specially curated and accessibly priced gift boxes that feature products from small businesses and local artisans. These initiatives are not only effective in satisfying a consumer need but also provide relief for independent businesses, impacted during the ongoing pandemic.
Workshop Question - How could your brand accommodate the gifting needs of consumers during a health pandemic?
5.1
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Activity
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Megatrends
Small Business Gift Boxes
Small Business Gift Boxes
The Happy Box from Ribett Features a Selection of Goods from Local Shops
Shopping rewards app Ribitt has decided to launch a delivery service in an effort to support the many small businesses throughout Toronto that are struggling financially during the pandemic.... MORE
Local Business Gift Boxes
Local Business Gift Boxes
Tourism Abbotsford and Trades Collaborate for Mother's Day
Many well-curated, local business gift boxes have been debuted as a way to satisfy the consumer search for a thoughtful present, as well as offer support for independent businesses during the COVID-... MORE
Local Artisan Gift Boxes
Local Artisan Gift Boxes
The Gift Refinery's Lifestyle Gift Boxes Spotlight Canadian Businesses
The Gift Refinery is a woman-run Canadian company that expertly curates gift boxes that spotlight a selection of full-size and high-quality lifestyle products from local makers and artisans.... MORE
Small Business-Supporting Gift Boxes
Small Business-Supporting Gift Boxes
The Limited-Edition Shot Taker Box Features Five Local Brands
Hornitos Tequila recently teamed up with Bespoke Post to curate The Limited-Edition Shot Taker Box, “a package highlighting five, boundary-pushing small businesses from across the country.&#... MORE
Mother's Day Gift Boxes
Mother's Day Gift Boxes
Rebel Magnolia Offered a Number of Affordable Gift Boxes for the Holiday
The Mother’s Day gift boxes at Saginaw County’s Rebel Magnolia were offered at an accessible price range—the kits retailed between $20 USD and $100 USD. In the boxes, the shop included... MORE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Contextual Discovery
Beauty retailers curate assortments by routine, travel and targeted needs

Trend - International beauty concepts are using offline retail to help consumers understand and adopt products and routines they aren’t familiar with. Physical, in-person experiences become the point for contextualizing stories, textures and regimens that are challenging to communicate through a standard ecommerce grid.

Workshop Question - How could your brand simplify a crowded category through curation that is organized around needs, routines, or contexts rather than product types alone?
8.7
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Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Strategic Beauty-Focused Retail Expansions
Strategic Beauty-Focused Retail Expansions
Urban Outfitters Supports Yes Day Beauty's Us Debut
Urban Outfitters has deepened its investment in the beauty category with the exclusive U.S. brick-and-mortar launch of Yes Day Beauty — an emerging skincare brand founded by 14-year-old... MORE
Inflight K-Beauty Retail
Inflight K-Beauty Retail
EasyJet Launches an Exclusive Korean Skincare Box Onboard
Inflight K-beauty retail is redefining airline retail by turning onboard shopping into a curated beauty discovery experience. easyJet has partnered with Luneia Brands to launch an exclusive... MORE
British Clinical Skincare Expansions
British Clinical Skincare Expansions
Medik8 is Now Available in Sephora North America
British clinical skincare brand Medik8 has announced a significant expansion of its North American presence through a partnership with Sephora, with products becoming available on the retailer's... MORE
K-Pharmacy Skincare
K-Pharmacy Skincare
Dr. Reju-All Brings Pharmacy-Inspired Korean Skincare to Ulta Beauty
K-pharmacy skincare is becoming more accessible as Dr. Reju-All expands into Ulta Beauty stores across the United States. Developed by pharmacists and dermatology experts, the brand focuses on... MORE
Popular K Beauty Expansions
Popular K Beauty Expansions
Yepoda Enters the US Market Through Sephora
Yepoda, a certified B Corp K-Beauty brand with a global customer base exceeding two million, has announced its official launch in the United States through Sephora. The K-Beauty product rollout... MORE
Participatory Retail
Stores are becoming hands-on learning environments for shoppers

Trend - The brick-and-mortar retail environment is being redesigned around hands-on participation add-ons rather than solely display-led browsing. Stores are organizing workshops, DIY stations, community events, and other types of activations that align with their branding, industry, and product offerings. This shift gives shoppers a reason to physically show up in stores, beyond their need for a purchase.

Workshop Question - How could your brand turn product discovery into a guided activity that helps customers learn, test, or create something for themselves?
7.2
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Megatrends
Creative Retail Competitions
Creative Retail Competitions
Bricks & Minifigs Launches LEGO Clock Design Contest
Creative retail competitions are transforming stores into destinations where consumers can actively participate rather than simply shop. Bricks & Minifigs and Santoki are encouraging LEGO fans to... MORE
Experiential K-Beauty Retail
Experiential K-Beauty Retail
Yepoda Opens an Immersive Flagship Store in Seoul
Experiential K-beauty retail is reshaping beauty shopping by turning physical stores into immersive brand destinations. Yepoda’s first Seoul location is designed to introduce visitors to Korean... MORE
Content-Driven Flagship Retail
Content-Driven Flagship Retail
GARAGE Builds an Immersive Flagship in New York's Flatiron District
Content-driven flagship retail is reshaping fashion by turning stores into immersive brand destinations that encourage shopping, social sharing, and community engagement. GARAGE's upcoming flagship... MORE
Creator-Led DIY Experiences
Creator-Led DIY Experiences
Lowe's Turns MrBeast Fandom Into Kids Workshops
Creator-led DIY experiences are helping brands transform digital audiences into active, real-world communities. Lowe's is expanding its Kids Club program through a partnership with MrBeast,... MORE
Immersive DIY Events
Immersive DIY Events
DIY CON Brings Hands-On Workshops and Creator-Led Experiences
Immersive DIY events are transforming traditional trade shows into hands-on experiences where attendees actively build, learn and connect with creators and brands. DIY CON brings together... MORE
Destination Beauty
Beauty retailers are turning stores into interactive trial experiences

Trend - Beauty retail is expanding beyond product display into environments built for testing, play, and social sharing. Phydigital store experiences, interactive pop-ups, and other temporary activations are being deployed to encourage longer visits and more meaningful consumer engagement. Many of these concepts borrow cues from entertainment, fandom, and cultural storytelling rather than classic merchandising.

Workshop Question - How could your brand turn a routine purchase environment into a place people would choose to spend time in?
8.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Hospitality Beauty Collaborations
Hospitality Beauty Collaborations
MERIT and the Ritz-Carlton Turn Stays into Beauty Experiences
MERIT is entering the hospitality space through a new partnership with The Ritz-Carlton, bringing branded beauty experiences to select properties in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara,... MORE
Strategic Beauty-Focused Retail Expansions
Strategic Beauty-Focused Retail Expansions
Urban Outfitters Supports Yes Day Beauty's Us Debut
Urban Outfitters has deepened its investment in the beauty category with the exclusive U.S. brick-and-mortar launch of Yes Day Beauty — an emerging skincare brand founded by 14-year-old... MORE
Inflight K-Beauty Retail
Inflight K-Beauty Retail
EasyJet Launches an Exclusive Korean Skincare Box Onboard
Inflight K-beauty retail is redefining airline retail by turning onboard shopping into a curated beauty discovery experience. easyJet has partnered with Luneia Brands to launch an exclusive... MORE
British Clinical Skincare Expansions
British Clinical Skincare Expansions
Medik8 is Now Available in Sephora North America
British clinical skincare brand Medik8 has announced a significant expansion of its North American presence through a partnership with Sephora, with products becoming available on the retailer's... MORE
Specialist AI Beauty Platforms
Specialist AI Beauty Platforms
Renude Launches Its White-Label AI Consultation Plug-In
Renude introduced a white-label AI platform that delivers specialist beauty consultations for brands and retailers, featuring an intelligence engine trained on dermatology, formulation chemistry... MORE
Gacha Marketing
Large Brands Capitalize on Blind Box Popularity with Branded Gacha Collections
Trend - Major companies are launching official blind box and gacha products that feature branded characters, miniatures and limited‑edition variants. These drops use surprise‑based formats, collectible packaging and rarity structures to create excitement, boost trial and extend brand presence.
Workshop Question - How can our brand leverage the appeal of surprise and collectibility to create engaging and emotionally rewarding customer experiences?
8
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Megatrends
Cereal-Themed Collectible Rings
Cereal-Themed Collectible Rings
Honey Nut Cheerios Protein is Dropping with Limited-Edition Rings
An all-new, Honey Nut flavor is officially joining the Cheerios Protein cereal lineup to deliver an enjoyable way for people to start the day with eight grams of protein per serving. Inspired by... MORE
Sitcom-Style Fast Food Meals
Sitcom-Style Fast Food Meals
McDonald's Türkiye Launched a Friends Meal with Collectibles
For a limited time, McDonald's Türkiye is launching the Friends Meal, featuring the fan-favorite Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets, plus Monica's Marinara Sauce and collectibles inspired by the hit... MORE
Grocery Store Blind Boxes
Grocery Store Blind Boxes
ALDI Blind Box Tap into the Popularity of Blind Box Culture
The ALDI Blind Box has been launched in the US by the grocer as a series of surprise products that respond to the popularity of blind box culture and will provide a food-themed experience for... MORE
Pizzeria Merch Blind Boxes
Pizzeria Merch Blind Boxes
Little Caesars Big! Big! Blind Box Has Over a $200 Value
Little Caesars Big! Big! Blind Box is the pizzeria brand's entrant to the burgeoning mystery box merch market to offer avid fans and collectors alike with ample product at a low-cost price point.... MORE
Treat Trove
Curated sweet treat boxes offer themed, premium at-home indulgence
Trend - Curated dessert boxes are emerging as a structured retail format that bundles treats into cohesive, themed assortments, often rotating by season or occasion. These offerings leverage packaging design and portion variety to create a premium gifting and at-home consumption experiences.
Workshop Question - How can your brand reframe everyday products as curated experiences that enhance emotional engagement?
7.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Character Doughnut Collections
Character Doughnut Collections
Krispy Kreme Spongebob Doughnuts Recreate Bikini Bottom Icons
Krispy Kreme SpongeBob doughnuts introduce a themed collection inspired by characters and locations from the animated series. The lineup includes designs based on SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick... MORE
Mom-Themed Dessert Boxes
Mom-Themed Dessert Boxes
The Crumbl Mother’s Day Bundl is an Easy Yet Delicious Offering for Moms
The Crumbl Mother’s Day Bundl is being offered by the brand in celebration of Mother's Day to make it easier for consumers to find the right gift for their mom this spring. The menu item is a... MORE
Munchies-Themed Donut Boxes
Munchies-Themed Donut Boxes
Voodoo Doughnut is Serving Up a New 'Blunt Box' for 4/20
4/20 – the unofficial stoner holiday – is coming up and Voodoo Doughnut wants to help consumers celebrate with a new 'Blunt Box.' As Taylor Fish, Director of Marketing for Voodoo Doughnut,... MORE
Parisian Patisserie Bakery Boxes
Parisian Patisserie Bakery Boxes
The Sweet Diplomacy Paris Box Celebrates the City of Lights
The Sweet Diplomacy Paris Box is a vegan-friendly offering from the brand that's crafted with the City of Lights in mind to offer consumers a delicious range of treats to enjoy this winter. The box... MORE
Taste Pursuit
Travelers explore local food cultures to shape immersive travel experiences
Trend - Travel brands are building food-led journeys that submerge travelers in local culinary systems through market visits, farm expeditions, chef collaborations, and regional food trails—positioning cuisine as a central lens for discovering place and identity within travel.
Workshop Question - How might your brand transform everyday interactions into more meaningful, culturally rich opportunities?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
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Megatrends
Local-Led Culinary Experiences
Local-Led Culinary Experiences
Intrepid Offers a Diverse Range of Food Tours for Curious Travelers
A diverse range of food tours offered by Intrepid Travel provides opportunities for meaningful cultural engagement through cuisine. Food plays a significant role in fostering human connection and... MORE
Ten-Day Culture Tours
Ten-Day Culture Tours
Trafalgar's Travel Guide Features Curated Music and Cuisine Destinations
The Tastes and Sounds of the South tour from Trafalgar is a ten day program that traces key cultural, musical, and culinary landmarks across Nashville, Memphis, Natchez, and New Orleans. The... MORE
European Food Tours
European Food Tours
Air Canada Offers Curated Food Tourism Packages and Guides
Air Canada Vacations highlights three European culinary tour packages that combine regional food traditions with guided cultural experiences. The Italy itinerary focuses on pasta making, wine... MORE
Culinary-Focused Travel Experiences
Culinary-Focused Travel Experiences
EF Go Ahead Tours Launches the Food Tours Collection
EF Go Ahead Tours has introduced an expanded portfolio of culinary journeys under the title 'Food Tours.' This culinary adventure-focused collection was developed in collaboration with America's... MORE
Local Loyalty
Hyper Local Commerce shifts toward neighborhood-first shopping
Trend - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing local retailers, regional goods, and community-based shopping experiences. Whether it’s buying from a neighborhood store or choosing products made nearby, there’s growing momentum behind commerce that feels rooted in place. National brands are responding by incorporating local elements into their offerings, partnering with small businesses, highlighting regional sourcing, and localizing store formats, to stay relevant in a shifting retail landscape.
Workshop Question - How might your brand collaborate with local businesses, creators, or communities to build trust and relevance at the neighborhood level?
4.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Canadian-Made CPG Brand Campaigns
Canadian-Made CPG Brand Campaigns
Kruger Products Debuts Made by Canadians for Canadians
Kruger Products has launched a new campaign titled 'Made by Canadians for Canadians.' With this initiative, the CPG brand aims to encourage consumers to choose locally manufactured tissue products.... MORE
Canadian-Focused Campaigns
Canadian-Focused Campaigns
Maple Leaf Foods Sparks Pride with Its 'Look for the Leaf’ Campaign
'Look for the Leaf' is more than just a tagline; it’s a movement. Maple Leaf Foods is taking a bold stand in response to U.S. tariffs, urging Canadian consumers to support homegrown brands, even... MORE
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Aberdeen is Bringing Back its 'Shop Aberdeen' Initiative
The Shop Aberdeen initiative, organized by Aberdeen Inspired, is a campaign aimed at revitalizing the city's retail sector by encouraging shoppers to visit the city center. The event features... MORE
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
City of Toronto Launches 'Love Local' Campaign to Support Businesses
The City of Toronto has launched the Love Local campaign to bolster small businesses and reinforce Canada’s economic resilience in response to recent U.S. tariffs. Announced by Mayor Olivia Chow... MORE
Artistic Retail
Retail companies team up with artists for immersive in-person events.
Trend - Retail companies are increasingly collaborating with artists to host in-person events and activations. These initiatives aim to create immersive and engaging experiences that draw consumers to physical retail stores. By integrating art installations, retailers seek to offer unique experiences.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create unique and memorable in-person experiences to attract more customers to physical locations?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Illusionary Ice-Hotel Beauty Pop-Ups
Illusionary Ice-Hotel Beauty Pop-Ups
Lancôme Hosted an Exclusive Rose Ice-Hotel Activation
Lancôme Travel Retail Asia Pacific, in collaboration with The Shilla Duty Free Korea, introduced the 'Rose Ice-Hotel' activation at Incheon International Airport. Unveiled on 7 February for... MORE
Artist-Centric Networking Events
Artist-Centric Networking Events
Adidas x SNIPES Unveil The NYC Superstar & Empower Artists
The Adidas x SNIPES collaboration presented a movement celebrating New York City’s creative culture. With the launch of the Adidas 'NYC Superstar,' a bold tribute to the city’s rich tattoo... MORE
Localized Retail Experiences
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
UNIQLO is bringing a fresh take on retail theater to Toronto’s Sherway Gardens, where its fourteenth Greater Toronto Area store will transform shopping into a cultural celebration starting... MORE
Premium Peach Vodkas
Premium Peach Vodkas
Sprinter Launches Single-Flavor Pack in Peach State Celebration
Kylie Jenner's Sprinter brand is expanding its ready-to-drink portfolio with its first single-flavor vodka soda pack. The new Peach Pack responds to consumer demand for the brand's most popular... MORE
Hyperlocal Evolution
Brands strengthen community connections through enhanced physical experiences
Trend - As consumers flock to physical retail spaces, both established and emerging brands are reimagining their local presence through enhanced experiential offerings. This shift extends beyond traditional retail to include direct-to-consumer brands creating innovative physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create meaningful local connections with or without a permanent retail space?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Exclusive Upscale Holiday-Edition Pop-Ups
Exclusive Upscale Holiday-Edition Pop-Ups
The Magical House of Chanel Opens its Doors at Harrods
Chanel Beauté has launched its exclusive pop-up, ‘The Magical House of Chanel,’ at Harrods, which will be open until October 24. This pop-up features a range of experiences, including... MORE
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
The Perfume Shop Experiential Store is Located in Stockport
The Perfume Shop experiential store has been launched by the brand in the UK in Stockport to provide shoppers with an immersive new experience to check out this year. The location is slated to open... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
In-Store Dating Experiences
In-Store Dating Experiences
IKEA and Breeze Partnered for Valentine's Day Date Experiences
IKEA and Breeze have announced a new partnership in the UK that will provide consumers with a chance to get romantic with a special someone this Valentine's Day. The partnership will see nine... MORE
Culinary Connection
Cookbook stores increasingly operate as community hubs for food enthusiasts
Trend - Cookbook stores now operate as community-centric “third spaces” to help consumers bond over the culinary arts through events like cooking classes and book signings. This speaks to a deepening interest in food as more than sustenance; it is now a means of social engagement and personal expression.
Workshop Question - How can your brand inspire collaboration in unexpected or unconventional spaces?
4
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Popularity
Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends
Literary Community Shops
Literary Community Shops
Bold Fork Books Houses an Extensive Collection of Culinary Books
Bold Fork Books, located in Washington, D.C.‘s Mount Pleasant neighborhood, is a community-focused hub dedicated to culinary literature. Specializing in cookbooks and food-related books, the... MORE
Community-Oriented Cookbook Stores
Community-Oriented Cookbook Stores
Foodies Cookbook Shop Acts as a Culinary Hub in Stratford
Chef Corey Reilly, a seasoned culinary professional with a deep passion for vintage and rare cookbooks, turned his longtime hobby into a business when the pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry.... MORE
Community-Centric Brooklyn Bookstores
Community-Centric Brooklyn Bookstores
Archestratus Hosts Events Focused on Food and Friendship
Archestratus, a unique bookstore named after the ancient Sicilian poet and early food writer, has become a celebrated destination for food literature enthusiasts. Founded by Paige Lipari in 2015,... MORE
Philly-Based Cookbook Stores
Philly-Based Cookbook Stores
Binding Agents Opens in the Philadelphia Italian Market
Opening this October in Philadelphia’s Italian Market, Binding Agents, a new 350-square-foot bookstore by Catie Gainor, will offer a warm, community-centered space for book and food enthusiasts... MORE